"Like Eric," Madame Claire said gently, "I can't help hoping."
A day or two later, Judy found her reading a letter from Old Stephen.
"There's a good deal about Connie," she told her. "Isn't it odd the way she seems to be coming into our lives again? Here's what he says:
"'And now a few words about Connie and her Count. I've talked to him several times, and he's like some poisonous thing in a stagnant pond. I do wish you could persuade her to leave him, for he insults and humiliates her at every turn. She confessed to me yesterday what I already suspected—that he had gambled away most of his money and much of hers at Monte Carlo, and that he is constantly demanding more. I think it would be advisable for Eric to come here if he possibly can. She is frightened, and her nerves are on edge. I suppose he threatens her, poor woman. What do you think ought to be done?'"
"He stopped there," said Madame Claire, "and finished the letter next day. I'll read you the rest.
